The beautiful coastline of southern Turkey is littered with secluded bays, coves and beaches and is full of archaeological remains. What better way to experience this than by kayak? Sea kayaks are easy to pilot and great fun. We use them to paddle along the coast past ancient ruins, and include plenty of stops for swimming, relaxing and refreshments. Our free day is spent in the lively port town of Kaş.

Itinerary

After breakfast we’ll have a short transfer (25 kms) to Köyceğiz. Before starting off, we have a safety briefing and do some basic exercises to get used to the kayaks and steering. Once completed, we start paddling to Sultaniye thermal springs. These ancient hot springs are located on a fault line at the southwest bank of the lake, on the slope of Ölemez Mountain. Near the thermal springs, ruins have been found dating back as far as the Roman era. The bath ruins were restored in the 1990s and hot sulfurous water seeps out of a crack next to the spa’s domed thermal bath. After our picnic lunch we’ll paddle to the Dalyan river's starting point.
Total distance 22km

3Day 3Transfer to Gocek; paddle to Boynuzbuku Cove; head back via Zeytin Island and Tersane Bay. Transfer to Kaş.

After 35km transfer we’ll arrive at beautiful Göcek, a small town which harbours islands and coves located in a large and secluded bay. From here we start paddling towards Boynuzbükü Cove, passing several amazing inlets. We will stop for a picnic lunch in one of these bays before returning via Zeytin Island and Tersane Bay respectively. Return to our starting point at Gocek and transfer to our next accomodation in Kaş.
Total distance 20kmSee more images and videos

4Day 4Transfer to the Eşen River; kayak to Patara and its famous beach and ancient ruins.

We start the day with a transfer to the Eşen River (approx. 50 mins). From here we begin paddling towards the Patara Beach sand dunes. We break for lunch at the lovely Patara Beach and may opt to visit the ancient city of Patara before driving back to our accommodation in Kaş.
Total distance approx. 20 kms.See more images and videos

5Day 5Day at leisure in Kaş; opportunity for optional activities.

Today is a free day for relaxing and exploring Kaş, a charming coastal town with a pretty harbour. There are opportunities to walk to the ancient theatre on the peninsula as well as the nearby rock-cut tombs. The more active can try diving, canyoning or paragliding (bookable locally). Alternatively you can enjoy the comfort of our hotel and have a full rest day. Kaş comes alive in the evening, and has many excellent restaurants and bars.See more images and videos

6Day 6Kayaking in and around Kalkan, including Kaputas beach and the Blue Cave.

This morning we will transfer from the hotel with our kayaks to Kalkan Harbour (approx. 30 mins) and begin paddling towards Kaputas Beach (9 kms). On arrival we will take a break for swimming and lunch. This afternoon we visit the famous neary Blue Cave (Mavi Magara). After paddling a further 7 km along the Turquoise Coast we arrive at a pebbly beach where the day's work ends, before our transfer back to Kaş.
Total distance approx. 16 kms.See more images and videos

7Day 7Kayak from Uzum Iskelesi to Uluburun, the Siçak Peninsula and ancient city of Aperlae.

We start the day with a transfer to Üzüm İskelesi bay (approx. 40 mins). From here we begin paddling parallel to the coastline, first passing Uluburun and on to the Sıçak Peninsula, where the ancient city of Aperlae is found. Some 1,300 years old, Aperlae was abandoned after the fall of Byzantine Empire and never rebuilt or resettled. This half-sunken city was once famous for the production of Tyrian dye, a deep and costly purple. After lunch and some time exploring the ruins, we paddle back to Üzüm İskelesi and transfer back to Kaş for our final evening together.
Total distance approx. 14 kms.

Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are moderately fit and possess a spirit of adventure. Some previous experience is required for most activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts and 5 lunches

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

All specialist equipment

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels

We spend 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Dalyan and 5 nights at a 2-star hotel in Kaş, usually the Oreo Hotel. Both properties have a pool and en suite facilities.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
Holders of UK, Austrian, Irish, Portuguese, Spanish and US passports require visas. From 10 April 2014 it will no longer be possible to purchase a Turkish visa on arrival. This can now be obtained online at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ for approximately US$20.
The visa is valid for a stay of up to three months (dependent on passport holder's nationality). For a longer stay a visa from a Turkish Embassy is required.
Visa regulations can change without notice; please check the current regulations in good time to obtain the appropriate visa if required.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.You may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Holiday style

While no previous experience of sea kayaking is necessary, we would recommend that you don't book a week of kayaking unless you are sure it's for you. Just an afternoon in any sort of kayak should let you know if the paddling stroke comes naturally. Those who pick up most sports reasonably quickly should have no problem.
You should expect to paddle between 4 and 6 hours a day, and of course we will allow plenty of time for stops to enjoy a swim, stretch the legs or take in some refreshments. Our kayak guides are highly trained and groups larger than 8 will have two guides. Generally we offer double kayaks, although we can accept requests for singles if made in advance and dependent on availability at the time of the trip. The kayaks have storage areas, so you can carry water, cameras, sun cream, snorkels etc during the paddling day. The support boat will carry larger items where necessary.
Please note that strong winds are possible in the spring/autumn seasons and this can make paddling more difficult.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts and 5 lunches are included. Food in Turkey is generally very good and varied, making use of fresh local ingredients. Vegetarians are well catered for.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

If travelling in July and August you must be prepared for high temperatures and it is not always possible to avoid the heat of the midday sun. Rain is unlikely in the summer months although the occasional storm can't be ruled out. Protracted spells of bad weather are unlikely at any time of the year.

Travelled from Gatwick to Dalaman, Picked up outside airport (cash machine just outside airport) by Exodus rep and taken to KAS. (2+hours but with a lovely stop off half way) Hotel Oreo is fine (for Turkey) pool, AC in room, wifi, great staff (English so so - better that my Turkish!) Welcome bar-b-que was very good and set the standard for the week. Rep/guide was ours for the week and kept us upto date at all times. Kas is lovely, go explore the back streets, well worth the effort, food choices if fantastic, prices are low. Kayaking is hard work! Kayaks are touring type and stable but you can fall out! take dry bay, gloves, hat sun cream, and long sleeves - no shade in a kayak! Included meals are great, If you pay its around 30lira for a meal plus drinks, almost OD'd on fish - it's really good! After day two you'll be Kayak shaped and it gets much easier, gloves can come off!? expect to see Turtles day 3 onward, The move to the pension at Kekova is short and the Pension is great, massive rooms with AC and wifi, in a really small village, just lovely and peaceful, it has around 10 restaurants (all sell the same!) and the best bit is the paddling there, sheltered and beautiful. Lots of Turtles, fish squid etc. Take a mask and snorklel!! The Guides are great but listen to the advice especially getting into and out of the kayaks. We had a guy who didn't use his paddle to support the boat, fell on to a rock with his ribs (ouch) totally unnecessary. Both days at end of week are fantastic., early 3 are very good but, you know what I mean. Turkish bath and para gliding both recommended, if your male to the berber for a hair cut and shave! A great experience!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Turtles, para gliding, food, food and food, weather (27-31c for us)

What did you think of your group leader?

Maho was with us each night to tell us of the next day, he'd been in Kas for 20 years and knew everybody! Great guy, young man called Urma (i think) was good plus you have a safety boat each day, the last two with a 80year old operator! Turkish life is good?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Dry bag, waterproof camera, sun glasses with retainer in case you fall in, mask snorkle, long sleeves available, hat with strings or that floats, gloves for early days, sunscreen, the Aldi all day stuff is ace, slop on in the hotel and forget.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

What is the hotel like in Kas?

The hotel is in a great spot at the top of the town, with views across the mosque minarets to the greek islands and the Turquise coast itself. All rooms are air conditioned and en suite, and the pool is also open during the summer - the perfect end to a great day!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

I've never kayaked before - is this a problem?

While no previous experience of sea kayaking is necessary, we would recommend that you don't book a week of kayaking unless you are sure it's for you. Just an afternoon in any sort of kayak should let you know if the paddling stroke comes naturally. Those who pick-up most sports reasonably quickly should have no problem.You should expect to paddle between 4 and 6 hours a day, and of course we will allow plenty of time for beaching the craft to enjoy a swim, a leg stretch or a lunch stop.

Danuta Janik - Customer Operations

What is Turkish food like?

The most popular dish in Turkey are kebabs, dishes of plain or marinated meat either stewed or grilled. The aubergine and eggplant salad are used in a wide variety of dishes. Kebabs can also be cooked with onions, garlic and tomatoes and served cold as "imam bayildi". Stuffed mussels and shrimp stew are popular as well.

Turkish sweets are famous throughout the world and many of these have milk as the basic ingredient. The best-known are "baklava", "kadayif" pastries and turkish delights. If you like alcohol you can try "Raki" made of anise, it is called the "lions drink" because you must be strong as a lion to drink it!

Joanna Zubr - Customer Operations

How should I take my money for Turkey?

I normally take just Sterling cash, with a debit or credit card to use in ATMs as a back up. As long as you excercise the same degree of common sense you would at home, you won't have any problems. Make sure you advise your bank before leaving home that you will be there, to avoid any problems. You will be changing into the local currency, the Turkish lira, and spending that. Almost all towns have money changing and ATM facilities.

Katarzyna Crompton - Turkey Operations

Can I get a visa for Turkey on arrival?

Most nationalities (including UK and US citizens) require visas. From 10 April 2014 it will no longer be possible to purchase a Turkish visa on arrival. This can now be obtained online at www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ for approximately US$20.The visa is valid for a stay of up to three months (dependent on passport holder's nationality). For a longer stay a visa from a Turkish Embassy is required.Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain the appropriate visa if required..

Ian Langford - Sales

What food can I expect in southern Turkey?

Breakfast: typically comprising a selection from tea, coffee, bread, butter, jam, cheese, olives, cucumber, tomatoes, yoghurt.Lunch and dinner: often a buffet arrangement with several freshly cooked dishes to choose from. Kebabs are of course to be found everywhere.Picnic lunches: when taken on trek, typically comprise a selection from bread, cold meat, cheese, (sometimes boiled eggs or tinned fish), fresh salad vegetables, fresh fruit.Most people find that Turkish cuisine is one of the most varied in the world and there is usually something to please everyone. Vegetarians will generally find themselves well catered for as many Turkish dishes are based on vegetables and dairy products.Other than whilst on trek drinks are not included with meals (except breakfast) as a wide variety is normally available and it is better to allow you the choice. Mineral water, excellent fruit juices, beer and wine are generally readily available at about half to three-quarters of the UK price, depending on locality. Tea (usually taken in small glasses) is cheap, and so is Turkish coffee (strong, taken in small cups). The only drinks that can be more expensive are European instant coffee and spirits.

Will Ramadan affect my trip?

Please note that the holy month of Ramadan will take place during specific dates each year, the actual dates will be listed in the respective Trip Notes. This is a time when followers of Islam do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. This can sometimes affect the opening hours of certain tourist sites. However we will ensure that that the itinerary is affected as little as possible if you travel during this period. Food and drink is available to tourists during the day.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

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